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Great Britain - A Literary Traveler’s Dream

By Patty Suchy
Novel Explorations

Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

There are few places in the world where so much is available to the literary traveler as in Great Britain. Of course, my definition of what a literary traveler should or could be interested in may be somewhat expanded from yours. Even so, if you’re just interested in places associated with a particular author, the British Isles are still a reader’s paradise. However, I suggest you consider expanding your view on what you may look for in your literary journey through Great Britain.

Let’s start with the obvious, visiting the home and places used by a particular author. Of course numerous authors/poets come to mind – e.g., Shakespeare, the Brontes, Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Beatrix Potter and Woodsworth. Jane Austen is certainly one of the more prominent literary names people think about when they journey to the UK.  Using her as an example, you’ll certainly have a wonderful time going to Chawton, Bath, and other places of importance in Ms. Austen’s life.  

But let’s expand this theme to include a look at the Regency period. Since Jane Austen wrote about topics that were contemporary to her, you can learn how people lived during her era and how the environment influenced daily life. This can only add to the enjoyment of reading her works.  Some British universities offer summer courses that survey life in different literary eras. .

To add to your exploration of the Regency period, consider visiting the places used in the movies and television productions based on Jane Austen’s works. The British Tourist Authority website offers wonderful maps and information about production sites. http://www.travelbritain.org   

Since you enjoy Austen so much, perhaps you would like to pick up works of other authors of her era. Again, you will find an abundance of bookstores in London and throughout the UK that will have such books available. If you happen to be in Wales, be sure to visit Hay-on-Wye, a lovely village that is considered the used book capital of the world http://www.hay-on-wye.com. If you’re really trying to understand more about an era, a great source is to pick up some diaries written then.

Another avenue is to see if there are any festivals dedicated to or involving the works of the particular author or poet. There are literary festivals year-round in Great Britain, including ones in Bath, Cheltenham and Hay-on-Wye.  Some festivals are totally dedicated to a particular author or character while others may offer just a sampling of the author’s work among other literary works.  

Although I used Jane Austen as an example, what I’ve stated is applicable to any author, poet or character (e.g., Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur, etc.).  Do visit sites belonging to the author/character, but also learn more about the environs and time periods that they are from.  Check out the locations used for books that have been made into films. Visit bookstores and explore similar works by other authors.  And finally, enjoy one of the UK’s many literary festivals

Here’s to a good book and a good literary journey to Great Britain!

Patty Suchy is a British Tourist Authority certified BritAgent and founder of Novel Explorations, which specializes in literary and educational themed tours.